towing Ram ProMaster 2016 Diesel Supplement

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, provid-
ing the following recommendations are followed:
•Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary accelerator pedal position at highway speeds
when carrying or towing significant weight. NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown under “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”,
under “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in this manual. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash de-
pending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn
off. If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running, immediate service is required and
you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned to ON/
RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 21

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 37

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................53
▫ Normal Starting Procedure ................54
▫ Starting Fluids ........................55
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................56
 NORMAL OPERATION ...................57
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................57
▫ Engine Idling .........................59
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................59
▫ Cooling System Tips — Automated Manual
Transmission .........................60 
ENGINE BLOCK/TRANSMISSION HEATER —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................61
 AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION .....62
▫ Gear Ranges .........................64
▫ Parking The Vehicle .....................70
▫ Instrument Cluster Messages ..............72
▫ Towing The Vehicle .....................76
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................76
▫ Fuel Specifications .....................78
▫ Biodiesel Fuel Requirements ...............79
5

ADDING FUEL .........................82
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ............83
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ...........83
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ..............84
▫ Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..............84
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID .................87
▫ System Overview ......................87
 TRAILER TOWING ......................88
▫ Common Towing Definitions ..............88
▫ Towing Tips ..........................98
52 STARTING AND OPERATING

Warning Buzzers
To provide awareness, a warning buzzer sounds when
the vehicle is parked with the transmission in NEUTRAL
(N) (the warning sounds when the ignition is turned to
the off position).
The warning buzzer also sounds to indicate an inconsis-
tent shift lever position (i.e. when the shift lever position
does not match the actual transmission gear position).
This can occur, for example, if the driver moves the shift
lever to request a transmission gear that is not allowed
under the current operating conditions.
With the vehicle at a standstill, engine running and the
shift lever in DRIVE (D), REVERSE (R), or MANUAL
(M), the buzzer sounds and the transmission automati-
cally shifts to NEUTRAL (N) when:
•The accelerator and/or brake pedals are not operated
for at least three minutes. •
The brake pedal is pressed for longer than 10 minutes.
• The driver ’s door is opened and the accelerator and
brake are not operated for at least 1.5 seconds.
• The driver selected gear does not match the engaged
transmission gear.
• A fault has been detected in the transmission.
A Blinking Warning:
• The driver selected gear does not match the engaged
transmission gear, the gear information in the cluster
and on the bezel will blink.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 69

Towing The Vehicle
•The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle
with all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
• Automated Manual transmission vehicles can also be
flat towed (all four wheels on the ground) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL. Ensure the transmission is
in NEUTRAL (N) (by checking that the vehicle moves
when pushed) and tow in the same way as a normal
vehicle with a manual transmission.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow any disabled vehicle if condition
is related to the clutch, transmission or driveline.
Additional damage to the drivetrain could result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe engine, transmission,
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
or drivetrain damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If it is not possible to shift the transmission to NEUTRAL
(N), do not flat tow the vehicle and contact your autho-
rized dealer.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in
your vehicle. Federal law requires that you must fuel this
vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15
ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low
Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum)
to avoid damage to the emissions control system.
76 STARTING AND OPERATING

The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while
maintaining outstanding fuel economy, drivability,
torque and power ratings.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for system
messages and warnings.
NOTE:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system.
You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise
from under the vehicle at a stop. This is normal
operation.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after
engine shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is
normal operation and may be audible from under the
vehicle.TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
88 STARTING AND OPERATING

the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable fric-
tion associated with the telescoping motion to dampen
any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other
connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are
the most popular on the market today and they are com-
monly used to tow small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to thetow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
•
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
(Continued)
90 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 91